Grace E-Notes Our Vision: Living in the Grace of God’s love, we worship, learn and serve. A weekly publication for Grace Lutheran Church & Friends Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Please excuse any spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Deadline for article submission is 3:00 p.m. on Mondays! Congregational Meeting—Sunday, November 16th—between the services Business to include discussion and approval of 2015 Ministry Plan (budget) comes to investing ourselves in God's mission of helping and healing. But the good news of God's grace in Christ digs us out of our fear, transforms any regret or sadness we have about our lives, and opens up a new possibility for living boldly and freely today. Christ Jesus is God's self-giving for us and the world, a valuable gift, a priceless investment, so we can invest our priceless selves in the mission of loving the world as God loves. Jesus said to the disciples: For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Read the full parable in: Matthew 25:14–30 Prayer: Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to use out talents to serve the world. Amen Jesus' parable challenges us to think about, not of our finances, but our investments - the investments of ourselves. The Master gives each of his three stewards “talents.” The word talent means a very large sum of money, equivalent to about 20 years of wages. It is no accident that we also use the word talent to mean a particular ability, skill, or gift. Having a particular talent is worth a great deal, whether it is organizing, listening, creating, building, or healing. The way we use the priceless talents we have is how we invest ourselves in God's world. In the parable, two of those entrusted with talents use their gifts wisely and daringly. The third is afraid. He is afraid of judgment, rejection, or failure. So he buries his talent. He buries himself and hides and has nothing to give or offer or live for. The story reveals the result of such a buried life: bitter sadness, isolation, and regret. How sad it is when we bury who we are and what we have to offer the world. How wonderful it is when God's grace helps us let go of fear and anxiety so that we can joyfully and freely give ourselves for the sake of God's world. Jesus' parable may disturb us when we realize that we too have been fearful and cautious in life when it Pastor Scott Zimmerer Readings & Psalm November 16, 2014 25th Sunday after Pentecost -1- Zaphaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm 90 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30 Weekly Calendars Tuesday 6:30 pm 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Wednesday 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 7:00 PM Thursday 12:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM Friday Saturday 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Sunday 8:30 AM 9:45 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 11/11/2014 Bible Study Council Pack 405 Committee Meeting 11/12/2014 Book Club Metrocrest Ministerium Choir Practice 11/13/2014 Small Group Bible Study Pack 405 WELCA Board Meeting 11/14/2014 NTNL Jr. High Gathering 11/15/2014 NTNL Jr. High Gathering Keep Carrollton Beautiful/Trash Pick Up WELCA Bible Study The Christmas Place Work Day 11/16/2014 NTNL Jr. High Gathering Commitment Sunday Worship CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday School Programs Worship GSA 4756 Monday 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Tuesday 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Wednesday 9:30 AM 7:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Friday 6:30 PM Saturday Sunday 11/17/2014 BSA 723 Troop 753 Way of Grace—Meeting 11/18/2014 Bible Study Disciple Life Fellowship Pack 114 Worship/Music 11/19/2014 Book Club Choir Practice 11/20/2014 Quilting Bible Study Via de Cristo 11/21/0014 Pack 115 Den 5 11/22/2014 11/23/2014 Blood Pressure Clinic 8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School Programs 11:00 AM Worship INSIDE THIS ISSUE Calendar 2 Readings & Psalms 1 Holiday Craft & Gift Fair - Thank You 3 Recipe 13 Metrocrest Services 5 Scout Project 3 Mrs. Claus Cookie Sale 6 Service of Installation—Miles Holder 4 Stewardship 5 3 The Christmas Place—Work Day 10 Poinsettias 5 WELCA Prayer Concerns 11 Worship Assistants 4 Prayer Ventures 12 Yellow Page 14 Operation Christmas Child Pastor’s Advent Small Group— Experiencing Purpose & Meaning In Your Life 3, 7 & 8 -2- 7, 9 & 10 Experiencing Purpose and Meaning In Your Life Beginning this Advent on Sunday evenings at 5:30 Pastor Zimmerer will host a new small group discussion. We will use a video-based series titled: Experiencing Purpose and Meaning In Life. Through it we will look at very powerful true stories of how others have overcame adversity to make a difference in the world. In reflecting upon their unique stories we will explore ways that God might be leading us to new meaning and purpose in our lives. Some of the stories that we will discuss are: An armless man who found a career as a professional guitarist A refugee from Rwanda who was determined to make a difference A six-figure salary man who lost his job only to discover meaning in work he never would have considered Join us in the parlor for casual conversation, light refreshments, Scripture and prayer as we seek to find deeper meaning and God-given purpose in our lives. Our first group will begin the first Sunday of Advent, November 30th at 5:30pm. No sign up needed… just show up… and bring a friend. Matthew Kittridge Eagle Scout Project November 15-16th Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes Remember, your shoebox(s) is due by Nov. 23rd Please bring them to the church by noon on the 23rd and place them in the Sanctuary. We will check the shoeboxes and assemble any additional boxes after the late service on Nov. 23rd. We need a volunteer to take our shoeboxes to our drop off location (Prestonwood Baptist Church) by the 24th. If you would like to help check/assemble shoeboxes, join me in the Fellowship Hall after the late service, and if you’d like to deliver our shoeboxes, please contact Bev Wells at wells.bev@att.net Thank You ! Matthew will be conducting an Eagle Scout Project on November 15-16th. The first day will be dedicated to cleaning up around the two sheds by Grace Lutheran Church and taking down the old fence—clearing away as much of the trash as possible. The next day plans are to build a brand new fence. Matthew could use some help. What is needed: shovels, rakes, wheel barrels, and anyone who would like to help. Congregational Meeting—Sunday, November 16th—between the services Business to include discussion and approval of 2015 Ministry Plan (budget) -3- SERVICE OF INSTALLATION Assisting With Worship 11/16/2014 for SAWL Miles Holder November 16, 2014 ♦♦♦ By the Will of the Holy Spirit Miles Holder has been authorized as a SAWL (Synodically Authorized Worship Leader) for Grace Lutheran Church He will be installed on Sunday, November 16 at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, TX. All are welcome. Rostered Leaders are invited to vest and process. The color for the installation service is green. Congregations are invited to pray for Grace and SAWL Miles Holder during worship on Sunday, November 16. 8:30 AM 11:00 AM Kaitlin Tjosvold Acolyte Ross Gall Acolyte Buster & Sybil Roop Greeters June Kiske & John Storey Greeters Susan Tjosvold Lay Reader Kerri Tamberelli Lay Reader Tom Bolger & Dan Hutchinson Ushers Bruce & Betty Moilan Ushers Bryan Swenson Worship Assistant Rob Lorentzen Worship Assistant Musicians Gregg Schockman, Director of Music Ministries—Piano Sarah McClenaghan —Cantor Grace Lutheran Choir Grace Lutheran Youth Ensemble ♦♦♦ Grace Lutheran Church 1200 E. Hebron Parkway Carrollton, TX 75010 Altar Guild Linda Sha & Susan Tjosvold Communion Set Up, Clean Up & Pour Dorothy Goodrum—Bread Phone: (972)492-4474 Office Hours: Mondays – Thursdays 9:00–3:00 Website: http://GraceLutheranTX.org Sunday Morning Schedule Worship 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM Sunday School Programs 9:45 AM Nursery Available at 11:00 AM Service Joan Swenson & Judy Horst Counting TBA Welcome Center Pastor: Rev. Scott Zimmerer RevSEZ@GraceLutheranTX.org Eddie & Miriam McDaniel Welcome Center Miles Holder, Vicar Grace Lutheran Nursery Care Aaron Colwick Director of Youth Ministries doubleac@gmail.com Do you enjoy spending time with the youngest members of our Grace family? Please consider volunteering in the nursery during late service. This is a great way to get to know our young families at Grace and give them a short break to enjoy worship service. Thanks for your prayerful consideration. To sign up, go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/ go/20F0D4CA5A628A2FB6-nursery/11456520 Gregg Schockman Director of Music Ministries daygs@aol.com Paula Parker Administrative Assistant admasst@gracelutherantx.org info@gracelutherantx.org -4- Demonstrate your thankfulness this season Each holiday season, Grace Lutheran anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. It is through the offerings and gifts of every individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on our ministries now and throughout the year. If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Christmas Poinsettias to adorn the Sanctuary during the Christmas Season To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at www.GraceLutheranTX.org and locate the Online Giving button. Or if it's easier, complete a paper authorization form available at the Welcome Center and return it to the church office. $9.00 each Sign up in the Welcome Center Thank you for your generosity and support! Orders taken thru December 14, 2014 Your Stewardship Committee Please use payment envelopes provided and make your checks payable to Grace Lutheran Church. Questions—contact the office 972.492.4474 Metrocrest Services November Donation Request Grace Lutheran will continue to support the Metrocrest Services in their endeavor to serve the communities in Denton county. Currently, they have a great need for the following: Cleaning Supplies – Laundry Detergent, Dawn, Comet Baked Goods – Corn Bread Mix, Muffin Mix, Flour, Sugar Hygiene Items – Toothpaste, Feminine Products, Please bring your donations, throughout the month of Nov., and place them in the shopping cart in the Narthex. We will deliver our donations on Sunday, Nov. 30th. to the Metrocrest. Any questions, please contact Bev Wells at bev@imaginationbranding.com or Brigitte Holder at brigitteholder@gmail.com Poinsettias may be taken home after late service on Christmas Eve. Holiday Craft and Gift Fair Many thanks to all the volunteers and congregation members who were vendors and attendees for making our first Holiday Craft and Gift Fair a fun and profitable day. We raised $300 for the Christmas Place Event. ~ Allison Mihavics Thank you ! -5- Mrs. Claus Cookie Sale Saturday, Dec 13th 9:00am – 12 noon Need help with your Holiday baking? Help is on the way! WELCA is sponsoring an innovative cookie sale on Saturday, Dec. 13th in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00am – Noon. Upon arrival, you will receive a bakery box (or 2) and a plastic glove. Then you will fill your box with whichever kind of cookies, bars, fudge, brownies, candy, etc. you desire. You then go to the checkout table, weigh your box of goodies, and pay $4 per pound. This fund raiser is to help with the new kitchen, the soundproofing in the Fellowship Hall, WELCA expenses and other church needs. Now, if you’d like to donate a batch of goodies for this sale that would be great, and very much appreciated! Please sign up in the Welcome Center and start digging through your family recipes. You will receive a copy of the Mrs. Claus Cookie Cookbook as a Thank You. This cookbook will feature all of the items in the sale. Here’s what you need to do: Sign up by Nov. 30th in the Welcome Center if you want to bake something to donate Email your recipe to wells.bev@att.net by Dec. 5th Bake your cookies/goodies and put them on a festive Christmas platter. Don’t forget to put your name on the bottom of the platter Bring your cookies to the church on Friday, Dec. 12th between 5:00pm-7:00pm We will make a tent card identifying the baked item and who baked it. Any questions, please contact Sue Tjosvold, Jeanne Witte, Bev Wells, Theresa Ward, or Cindy Nietubicz. Hope to see you on Dec. 13th! Thank you for your support. -6- Here’s what to do: Operation Christmas Child Good News. Great Joy Get a standard size shoe box (cover it with Christmas paper if you like) or buy a plastic shoe box with a lid. Every shoebox gift you pack helps Samaritan’s Purse to reach children worldwide with the good news of God’s love and the true meaning of Christmas. The children are introduced to Jesus through the illustrated Greatest of All booklets during the shoe box distributions. Please bring your shoe box to Grace by Nov 23rd. We will check the shoeboxes and assemble any additional boxes on Nov 23rd. We need a volunteer to deliver our shoeboxes to our drop off location (Prestonwood Baptist Church). Our goal is for every shoebox to have the hygiene items suggested, as well as some school supplies. Then complete your box with some toys, hard candy, or items of clothing and include $7 to offset the cost of jet fuel to distribute the shoeboxes around the world. Please make your check payable to Grace Lutheran WELCA and include it inside your shoebox. A gift suggestion list is featured at the end of this article as well as in the Welcome Center. Each box can bring joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to a child in need of hope. Any questions, please email Bev Wells at wells.bev@att.net 1. Pray for the child who will receive your special gift. 2. Now have fun filling the box with the hygiene items, school supplies, small toys, hard candy, gum, socks, sunglasses, flashlights, extra batteries, etc. (see suggestion shopping list) 3. Fill out the Boy or Girl label and tape it to the top of your box. 4. Include your cash or check (payable to Grace Lutheran WELCA) for $7.00 to cover shipping costs and place it inside your shoebox. 5. Place a rubber band around your shoebox when complete. 6. Return your shoebox by Nov. 23rd We are thankful for your participation in Operation Christmas Child. Yours in Christ, Bev Wells WELCA REMINDERS Congregational Meeting th Sunday, November 16 between the services Business to include discussion and approval of 2015 Ministry Plan (budget) If you would like to receive a reminder about WELCA events/activities, please stop by the Welcome Center and sign up with your name and email address to receive these reminders. Thank you! -7- Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Gift Suggestions Keep in mind the size of the shoebox when purchasing your items OTHER ITEMS Ball Cap Brush TOYS Cards: Go Fish, Old Maid Frisbee Comb Harmonica Extra Batteries Toothbrush Jacks Flashlight Toothpaste Jump Rope Flip Flops Wash Cloth Kazoo Gloves Light Up Toy Gum Marbles Hair Barrettes Colored Pencils Noise Maker Toy Hard Candy Coloring Books Play-doh Lifesavers Crayons Puzzle Book Lollipops Dictionary Slinky Mints Erasers Small Ball Scarves Ink Pad Sets Small Doll Socks Markers Small Etch-a-Sketch Sunglasses Pencil Sharpener Small Toy Tea Set Tootsie Roll Pops Pencils Stuffed Animal T-Shirt Pens Toy Jewelry Watches Picture Books Yo-Yo HYGIENE Bar of Mild Soap (place in a plastic bag) SCHOOL ITEMS DO NOT INCLUDE 1) Aerosol Cans Candy Canes 2) Breakable Items - such as (Snow Globes, Glass, Ceramic, etc) 3) Chocolate or Food Items (except Hard Candy) 4) Liquids or Lotions – such as (Nail Polish, Body Lotion, etc) 5) Medications or Vitamins 6) Out of Date Candy 7) Used or Damaged Items 8) War-Related Items – such as (Toy Guns, Knives, Tanks, Ruler or Military Figures) Solar Calculators Writing Pad/ Paper Book Club Wednesdays at 9:30 AM Church Parlor We are reading . . . Defending Jacob By William Landay Pick up a copy at your favorite book place and then join us for a lively discussion. (Refreshments provided) -8- -9- Amy Gulliksen – YAGM Ministry in Jerusalem Keep up with Amy's work by following her blog: OnThisJourneyCalledLife.com and by receiving her newsletter by emailing her at AmyGulliksen@gmail.com. If you would also like to financially support the YAGM ministries, please call 800-638-3522 for credit card payment, or send a check to: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America PO Box 71764 Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Please write: "Amy Gulliksen GCS 3092" on the memo line. A Christmas Place workday is scheduled at Grace this Saturday, November 15th from 10am-4pm. Bring your tools and help us build the “marketplace booths” and props. For safety reasons no unaccompanied children can be on the work site. -10- PRAYER CONCERNS NOTE: Due to privacy concerns all persons on prayer list MUST give their permission to be listed. GRACE MEMBERS Blake Cavagnaro & Family Jan Ellis Amy Gulliksen (YAGM—Ministry) Scott McClenaghan Louise Norris Barbara Olson Jo An Stanley Bryan Swenson Rev. Nolan Sucher Richard Tjosvold Charlotte Weirich Ebola & Malaria Victims & Medical Personnel The Unemployed & their families FAMILY & FRIENDS Arik Darrel Abston Chris Adkins Nan Andrews Crystal Archer Mavis Barrow David Baxter Janet Brown Sandy Devine Brian Ellis Lynette Forbes Ulane Franklund Mary Beth Girowski Ruby Gorman Rachel Jevaseely Beulah Jones Joseph Jones Tony Kenworthy Scott Nietubicz’ friend’s dad Brian Peterson Janet P. Megan Raley Joseph Reinert Vickie Roberts Mary Singley Dale Swenson Kerri Tamberelli’s parents Irene Thorson Adam Tjosvold Ethel Zimmerer GRACE MEMBERS in ASSISTED LIVING Joe Dzikonski Mary Frank Dorothy Hicks Mary Howard Cherrylin Langley Inez Moilan Kay Sembrick Peggy Smith MEN & WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES Richard Cox LT Chuck Cranston, US Navy Scott Gulliksen, US Marine Corps Jay Lundberg, Navy Lord God, you alone are the source of all healing and so we give you thanks for all your gifts of strength and life, and above all we thank you for the gift of your Son, through whom we have faith and strength. Grant health to the ill, strength to the weak, comfort for the sad, patience to those with chronic infirmities, hope to the distressed and anxious, healing to the addicted, and peace to the dying; in your name we pray. Amen -11- November 17 We give thanks for all who work for justice among people and nations, especially Elizabeth of Hungary, renewer of society, whom we commemorate today. PRAYER VENTURES —— November 2014 —— November 18 Creator God, you trusted us to protect the earth, to protect our future and the future of our children. We give thanks for this church’s global partnerships that work to offer a unique understanding of the impact climate change is having on the food security and livelihoods of vulnerable people and communities around the world. These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the church. November 11 We raise up the faithful bishops of this church, especially Martin, Bishop of Tours, whom we commemorate today. And we give thanks for Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, teacher, whom we also commemorate on this day, and all teachers who lead us to knowledge. November 19 We give thanks for the men and women who work or who have worked to protect our nation and world. We especially pray for our veterans and the chaplains and volunteers of this church who bring them comfort. November 12 We lift up the ELCA’s Renewal/Prayer/Revival team in partnership with the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, and their commitment to ending global, community and domestic violence. November 20 Gracious God, we are a church that believes you are calling us into the world together. We give thanks for ELCA World Hunger and its work and mission of reaching communities in need with innovative solutions that get at the root causes of hunger. November 13 As we seek to learn more about the influx of unaccompanied and migrant children entering the United States, we give thanks for this church’s continued response efforts. Pray especially for children who have crossed over borders by themselves to become our new neighbors and for their well-being and safety. November 21 We give thanks for Lutheran Campus Ministries and the 26 colleges and universities of the ELCA, rooted in the liberal arts and sciences and a Lutheran expression of the Christian faith and committed to global education. November 14 We give thanks for Monthly Partners and the generous gifts from those who provide consistent, ongoing support for ELCA churchwide ministries that impact the mission and ministry of this church. November 22 We give thanks for Lutheran World Relief, an ELCA partner, dedicated to ending poverty, injustice and human suffering around the world. November 15 We celebrate our church’s five-year, comprehensive campaign, Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, which seeks to raise funds to sustain and grow the ministries of the ELCA. We give thanks for the strong response in the areas of ELCA Malaria Campaign, New Congregations, ELCA Fund for Leaders, and Global Church-International Leaders: Women. November 23 We raise up the faithful bishops of this church, especially Clement, Bishop of Rome, whom we commemorate today. Inspire us with the memory of Miguel Agustín Pro, martyr, whom we also commemorate on this day, and all men and women who have given their lives in witness to your love and truth. November 24 We raise up the pastors of our church, the men and women of the ELCA who shepherd your people, and we give thanks for Justus Falckner, Jehu Jones, and William Passavant, early pastors in North America, whom we commemorate today. November 16 Merciful Lord, we remember all the lives lost to gun violence, weapons of war that have flooded our communities. Bless us with the wisdom and strength to put down our swords and be peacemakers. -12- Sweet Potato—Crusted Quiche Submitted by Lorraine Markwardt Servings 6 (1 wedge each) Prep 30 Minutes Bake 45 Minutes 1 large sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced (10 oz) 4 slices lower-sodium less fat bacon, cooked and crumbled ½ cup chopped green sweet pepper 3 Tbsp minced red onion ½ cup shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese 2 oz Gouda cheese, shredded 1 ¾ cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed ½ cup fat free milk ¼ tsp hot pepper sauce 1. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 325°. 2. Place sweet potato slices in a 2-quart square microwave-safe baking dish. Add 2 Tbsp water to the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave at 100% power for 3 to 5 minutes or just until sweet potatoes are tender. Drain, cool slightly. 3. Arrange sweet potato slices across the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate overlapping as necessary to cover. 4. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over sweet potato in pie plate; sprinkle with sweet pepper and onion. Top with cheddar cheese and Gouda cheese. 5. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk and hot sauce. Pour egg mixture over vegetables and cheese in pie plate. Bake 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. -13- GRACE YELLOW PAGES Below are services and businesses that our members provide. We simply present them for your information. We are not able to officially endorse any of them for liability reasons. Please consider them when you are planning repairs, lessons, etc. If you would like to list your business or service please bring a business card by the office or send an electronic copy to: info@GraceLutheranTx.org -14-
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